Service manual

Archimedes Keyboards
There are two types of Archimedes keyboards that have been used in production - known as Keyboard
Products (KPL) and Keytronics.
These units are electrically compatible, however, KPL keyboards and Keytronics keyboards differ slightly in
their fitting arrangement, and therefore it is important that keyboards used for fault rectification by swap out
in the field are of the same type as those installed originally, i.e. KPL for KPL, and Keytronics for
Keytronics.
The two circuit boards are physically different, and it is simple to tell them apart internally. Both have labels
on the circuit board identifying the manufacturer. Without opening the case, it is also possible to tell them
apart. If you look at the 'Scroll Lock' key, on the top right of the keyboard, KPL keyboards have the LED for
this key on the top left, Keytronics keyboards have the LED on the top right.
The keyboards that have been supplied as parts of the spares kits are Keytronics keyboards, and it is
expected that Keytronics keyboards will be the ones most prevalent in production. If you find a faulty KPL -
Keyboard requiring replacement, please contact our spares department, who will despatch a KPL keyboard
immediately. If you wish to keep a stock of KPL keyboards, then it is possible to purchase one from our
spares department - part number 0176,120.
Keyboards returned on Service reports will be replaced with the same type of keyboard.
Archimedes ROM upgrades
The ROM upgrade kits for the Archimedes (to upgrade to version 1.2) will shortly be available. These kits
will automatically be mailed to users that have registered as Archimedes owners. Instructions for fitting the
kits are included with the kits. Generally users will be able to perform the upgrade themselves, but if they
feel unable to perform the upgrade, they can approach a dealer to do this for them. If you perform this
upgrade for a user, we will arrange for your account to be credited with £7.50 for your labour. You should
complete a service report as per the example enclosed, and submit the service report, complete with the
removed ROMs to the Spares department at Acorn Computers Ltd. This will also be an FCO - FCO E010.
If a customer approaches you who has not received the upgrade, you should ask whether or not they have
registered as an Archimedes owner. If they have not, or are not sure whether they have registered, please feel
free to copy the enclosed registration form, which they should complete, and return to the address marked on
the form. They will then be sent a kit.
Please note that it is important that the customer is registered, since customers who have not registered will
not receive the free word-processor.
Doc. 999,0031 December 1987 -3- Acorn Engineering News